Class of 2026 Graduation Info

Date: Monday, May 17, 2027

Time: 7:30 pm

Graduates must arrive at: 6:30pm

Doors Open for guest: 6:30 pm

Attention families and graduating students: Please mark your calendars! Graduation practice/rehearsal is mandatory for all students and is an important step in preparing for this milestone event.

Attendance at this rehearsal is required to ensure that all students are fully prepared for the graduation ceremony. We appreciate your cooperation in making this a smooth and memorable experience for everyone.

School: Meridian High School

Date: May 14, 2027

Time: TBD

Location: MHS Gymnasium

We are excited to share important details about the upcoming Class of 2027 Graduation Ceremonies! As you prepare for this milestone celebration, please review the following information regarding suite requests and updated seating procedures.

Suite Requests
To better accommodate larger families, suites will be available at Idaho Central Arena, each seating up to twelve (12) guests.

• Request window: Opens Monday, November 2, 2026, at 8:00 AM and closes Friday, November 13, 2026, at 8:00 PM.

• The request form will be available here (link will activate on November 2):

Class of 2027 Graduation Suite Requests.

• All submissions will be entered into a random drawing, and suite recipients will be announced during a livestream on Tuesday, November 17, 2026, from 10:00 – 11:30 AM.

• Families selected for suites will be contacted individually between November 18 – 20, 2026.

Open Seating

Graduation ceremonies no longer require tickets, and seating will be first come, first served, allowing families greater flexibility and equitable access for all guests.

Please note: The only exception is for suite winners who will receive tickets for their designated suite for the graduation ceremony approximately 2 weeks before the ceremony.

We look forward to celebrating the incredible accomplishments of the Class of 2027 together!

For friends and family who cannot be present at the graduation ceremony please click the button below to be connected to the ceremony live stream.

CLICK HERE for Idaho Central Arena information on:

• ADA Accessibility - If your family requires accommodations such as wheelchair seating, accessibility support, doors will open 90 minutes prior to the ceremony starting.

  We are committed to ensuring that all families have a comfortable and inclusive experience at the graduation ceremony. Thank you!

• Arena Accessibility information LINKED HERE
• Bags: To ensure the safety and comfort of all guests, the following bag policy will be in effect for the graduation ceremony at Idaho Central Arena:

  • Permitted Bags:

    • Clear bags no larger than 12" x 6" x 12"
    • Small clutch purses or wallets no larger than 4.5" x 6.5"
    • Diaper bags (with an accompanying child)

  • Prohibited Items:

    • Backpacks, totes, and large purses
    • Coolers, briefcases, and fanny packs
    • Any bag not meeting the above specifications

  All bags will be subject to inspection upon entry. Guests are encouraged to arrive early to allow time for security screenings. Thank you for your cooperation in maintaining a safe environment for everyone attending this special event.

• Dining: For families planning to dine before or after the commencement ceremony, the Downtown Boise Association offers a convenient list of local restaurants - LINKED HERE.
• Food and Beverage in the Arena: Please be advised that outside food and beverages are not allowed inside Idaho Central Arena. Additionally, concession stands will remain closed during the commencement ceremonies.

  Thank you for your cooperation and understanding.

• Parking: Parking passes will not be provided for students or staff. Parking is available in nearby downtown parking garages. For a map of all downtown parking garages, please CLICK HERE. Thank you for planning accordingly!
• Tickets: Please note that tickets are required for Suite Winners ONLY entry into Idaho Central Arena Suites for the graduation ceremony.
  2027 Graduation Ceremony Suite Winners-Link to be added after the lottery 11/17/26.
• General Admission: Doors will open 1 hour before the ceremony begins. Families will be admitted on a first-come, first-served basis.

• Arrival and Check-In: Students must arrive at the designated entrance of Idaho Central Arena one hour before the ceremony begins. Upon arrival, check in with your school’s assigned representative near the Grove Plaza, outside the arena, for further instructions.

• Behavior Guidelines: Students are expected to maintain proper decorum throughout the ceremony. Items such as cell phones, air pods, balloons, noise makers, confetti, or other distractions are prohibited. Students will undergo a security screening prior to the commencement ceremony to ensure that no inappropriate or prohibited items are in their possession. Graduates who disrupt the commencement ceremony will be removed from the building and will not be included in formal graduation-related materials (such as official photographs, videos, congratulatory lists, etc.)

  • Please note: There will be no personal storage for students with personal items, please leave items with family members or in vehicles.

• Caps, Gowns and Stoles: Cap, gown and stoles will be made available for purchase All graduated are expected to adhere to the dress code set forth in Policy 603.21 - "Students must wear the cap and gown designated for that school's commencement ceremony." For any questions about purchasing a cap, gown and stole package, please contact your school site directly. Direct Grad

• Celebration Etiquette: To ensure an enjoyable experience for all, please refrain from excessive cheering or disruptive behavior that could prevent others from hearing their student's name.

• Diplomas: During the graduation ceremony, students will receive their diploma covers as they cross the stage. The actual diploma inserts will be distributed after the ceremony at the student's home school. Please note that diplomas will only be issued once all laptops, school devices, and textbooks have been returned, and any outstanding school fines have been cleared. Thank you for ensuring these requirements are met.

• Dress Code: Follow the established dress code for the ceremony. Make sure to bring your cap, gown, and honor cords or stoles. Gowns should be ironed or steamed ahead of time. Decorated caps are not allowed and will be confiscated.

  • Honor cords and stoles: While military or academically related stoles (CTE, NHS and AVID) or sashes are allowed, leis of any kind are NOT PERMITTED.

    • Please refer to Policy 603.21 - High School Commencement Ceremony for more information and details.

• Grad Night Information: For any questions about grad night information, please contact your school site directly.

• Photography: Photographs will be taken during the ceremony. Each parent/guardian will receive an individualized link to access their Graduate's pictures. It will take approximately 7-10 days for the link to arrive in your email. For any questions about graduation ceremony pictures please contact your school site directly.

As graduation approaches, we want to share how Valedictorians are selected in the West Ada School District.

Valedictorian selection is completed at the district level to ensure a fair and consistent process across all high schools. The determination is based on official class rank data in PowerSchool and is finalized on the third Monday in April. Only grades and coursework recorded by that date are included in the selection process.

Once selected, the Valedictorian will be notified by their school, receive a Valedictorian stole for graduation, and be offered the opportunity to speak at commencement. Each graduation ceremony will include two student speakers, with the Valedictorian receiving right of first refusal. Additional speakers will be selected from the top 10% of the graduating class.

Students and families are encouraged to review current class rank information through transcripts in PowerSchool. For questions regarding the selection process, please contact the district office.

• Plan to arrive at least one hour before the commencement ceremony begins.
• A school-issued staff ID is required for entry into the arena—no exceptions.
• A greeter will be stationed at the main entrance to assist staff and guide you to the designated holding area.
• RSVP is required for all staff attending the ceremony and must be received by April 28, 2027. Link opens 3/1/27
• Staff Attendance RSVP Form LINKED HERE
• Your staff credentials are necessary for both arena entry and floor seating. Please ensure you bring your school-issued ID with you to avoid any delays.

• Suite Winners will be announced and linked in the Suite Information Section once the lottery is drawn, will be updated by 11/20/26
• Grad Walk information will be shared in the spring once details have been finalized.